Worldwide cancer cases are projected to increase by 50 percent by 2030 even as the overall cancer death rate declines1. Cancer remains a significant concern, with new cases and cancer-related deaths projected annually. However, there is encouraging news as well. Over the years, the United States has witnessed a consistent reduction in cancer mortality rates, leading to substantial progress in combating this disease. This steady progress has been due to cancer treatment breakthroughs, which have particularly improved the management of some difficult-to-treat cancers. As the number of cancer survivors grows, the quality of life for survivors has become of paramount importance to the medical community.
Today, radiation therapy technology advancements have revolutionized the way we approach cancer treatment and patient care, improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Among these groundbreaking technologies is proton beam therapy.
Proton beam therapy is a part of radiation therapy that uses protons rather than x-rays to target tumors and cancer cells more precisely. Proton beam therapy is a new type of cancer treatment, having certain distinct considerations, such as: -
Because of these benefits, proton therapy adoption is increasing as its efficacy has been proven to treat many types of cancers.
Proton technologies were developed by Hitachi's advanced R&D teams, who have earned a reputation for turning challenging collaboration projects and concepts into solutions that serve to advance social innovation. Those collaboration projects include leading research and care institutions around the world, such as the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. For example, MD Anderson and Hitachi are collaborating on research for a unique randomized clinical trial comparing the outcomes and side effects of Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) versus Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer of the head and neck.
One benefit of proton therapy for cancer survivors is the reduction of the long-term toxicity risks of conventional radiotherapy. Because more than half of all cancer patients receive one or more courses of radiation therapy as part of their treatment, mitigating those risks is a top concern. Not all radiation therapies are alike, and after careful evaluation, physicians will prescribe proton therapy for several types of cancers in specific clinical cases.
Hitachi’s proton beam therapy cancer treatment solutions are less invasive, have lower radiation exposure and require fewer hospital visits, prioritizing patients' quality of life first. Hitachi also offers various particle therapy treatment methods such as proton, heavy-ion and hybrid therapy systems that can irradiate both proton and carbon ion species, allowing medical facilities to select the best treatment for different types of cancer.
Many leading physicians have noted the proven efficacy of proton therapy in many types of tumors, including brain, breast, esophageal, eye, gastrointestinal, gynecological, head and neck, liver, lung, lymphoma, prostate, soft tissue, spine, pancreatic and many pediatric cancers.
The particle therapy system is developed with low radiation immittance and low energy consumption to perform social activities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Hitachi aims to play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer while driving social innovation in healthcare through digital technology solutions for cancer care. As cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, Hitachi believes that with advances in the science of cancer treatment, we can provide data-driven healthcare solutions for optimal prevention and care.
Learn more about Hitachi Proton Therapy.
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